Unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in a day. Even the best funded startups are in a struggle against time. Despite working nonstop, deadlines will slip and opportunities will be missed. It’s easy to get bogged down in day-to-day administrative tasks that don’t really move your business forward. Because there’s so much to accomplish and so little time, you must execute on that which matters most. The best way to do this is to have a clear understanding of the core of your idea, which allows you to know what to do and, importantly, what not to do. You will be pulled in a dozen different directions as you get your company off the ground. It takes awareness and discipline to reject distractions that are opportunities in disguise and stick to the plan. As tempting as this may be to split your focus, it’s a recipe for mediocre execution and failure. One great way to initiate this process is to define what you are not. “I am not a consultant”…”We are not an incubator”…”We are not a manufacturer.” Once you have a baseline of what you are not, it’s easier to define what you are and use this as your north star. First, decide what not to do.
The Agile Startup is an inspiring compilation of the most important lessons of innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s easier than ever to start a new business, and the potential rewards are enormous. But even with all of the available advantages and resources, the likelihood of any one business succeeding is slim. That’s why you need the simple, clear, actionable lessons found in The Agile Startup.
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Author Matt Sand
Passionate about making a difference through innovation and entrepreneurship.